August 05 Stress Busters: Tech Rage

In This Month's Newsletter
Thought For The Day
Did You Know?
30-Second Stress Buster
News And Offers

Thought For The Day
"We now have so many labour saving devices, at home and work, and yet we seem to have less time than ever before..."

Did You Know?

• In 1834 Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, the precursor of the computer? He was unable to obtain funding for it from the government, who thought it would be worthless. In 1998, the Science Museum in London, UK, built a working replica of the Babbage machine, using the materials and work methods available at Babbage's time. It worked just as Babbage had intended.
• A recent survey of workers in Sydney and Adelaide has shown that one in three suffers from 'tech rage'. The survey showed that computer crashes, spam emails and 24-hour access via mobile phones and other communication devices are among the major sources of tech rage. Respondents felt that they were compelled to be more efficient, technologically savvy and always available for colleagues, clients, family and friends.

You've probably heard the old saying of counting to 10 before you speak? Well, there is good basis behind the practice, and this exercise takes it a little further. The aim here is to empty your head of any thoughts, feelings, frustrations or emotions for just 30-seconds, by employing the counting method. However, here we count backwards from 27, and we do it with the breath. Once you have finished the exercise you will feel much calmer and more able to cope with your technology problems...

• Clear your head.
• Count backwards from 27 with the breath: for example 27 inhale, 27 exhale, 26 inhale and 26 exhale and so on.
• Keep counting and focusing only on the breath.
• If a thought or feeling does pop into your head, or you become distracted by a noise, don't worry, simply acknowledge it, and go back to counting, starting again at 27. Do not allow the initial thought to develop into a train of thoughts, catch it as early as you can.
• Now the aim is not necessarily to get to zero, be honest with yourself, if you find your mind wandering, don't be hard on yourself, just recognise it and start counting again from the beginning.
• After just 30-seconds you will notice that your initial frustration subsides, and you can focus more on solving the problem or finding alternatives, instead of raging at your friends.
• This is a good exercise to practise in its own right, as with repetition, your natural ability to calm thoughts and settle emotions increases.
  
  
• For more 30-second stress buster exercises that you can do at your desk, see our archived newsletters on our website.

• In the press: We've been in the news again: this time The Benchmarking HR Monthly Bulletin issued by Crown Content have quoted Zen At Work in relation to comments regarding the recent 'tech rage' survey. To read the article follow this link: www.zenatwork.com.au
• Research: RMIT University in Melbourne is conducting a landmark national survey into yoga and amongst other topics, its effectiveness in relation to stress. If you have ever attended a yoga class you may be interested in contributing to the study by completing a survey on line. You can access it via this link: - www.yogainaustralia.com
• New Service Offer 1: We are delighted to welcome on board a new Laughter Workshop Leader to our team in Sydney. Laughter clubs have been established in America, the UK and in India for years, as an effective and fun way to manage stress. Companies in Australia are just beginning to understand the benefits of regular fun activities for their staff, and one-hour laughter workshops are a great way to build team spirit and manage stress levels. One lucky reader will win a FREE One-Hour Laughter Workshop at their workplace for up to 25 attendees. If you are based in Sydney, get on the phone now. Call 02 9999 6513 and ask for Anne. If you are the first caller you will win a workshop (offer must be taken up before 31st October 2005). Good luck!
• New Service 2: Yet again - our services have expanded. We can now offer Fitness Instructors at your worksite all over Australia. No gymnasium is required! Employees at MLC in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney have recently enjoyed learning five to ten minute routines that they can do at their desks.

• If you found this email useful, please pass it on to a friend, or send them a link to our website: www.zenatwork.com.au, so that they can subscribe too.

• Let us know if you would prefer to receive this email in plain text, rather than html.
• Let us know what you like, or would like to see improved, regarding this newsletter. The best suggestion each month will receive two hours worth of free massage for the team or office. Please contact us at info@zenatwork.com.au )